Art group to march in Portsmouth Halloween parade

Saturday

Oct 30, 2010 at 3:15 AM

By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.gcunningham@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH — A group looking to turn an old brewery building into a multidisciplinary arts center will have supporters marching in Sunday's downtown Halloween parade to continue to bolster support for the project.

Chris Greiner — one of the minds behind "3S Artspace" — said advocates for the project will join the Halloween parade and dress in orange to raise awareness about a endeavor that seeks to turn a Former Frank Jones fermentation building into a multiuse art space.

Although 3S Artspace has yet to begin a fundraising effort or formally secure the 11 Jewell Court building that will house the nonprofit art center, Greiner said they do want to continue to raise awareness about the project.

Plans call for the facility to serve as a center for the arts that would welcome both regional and national artists into a building that would be completely renovated to accommodate a non-commercial gallery, performing arts venue and "farm to table" restaurant.

Greiner — the former longtime box office manager at the Music Hall — came up with the idea for the art center with John Gayle and both have seen immense support for a project they say could further bolster Portsmouth's arts scene.

Organizers said a large number of supporters have been reaching out to them since they announced the project, but Greiner admitted that he has little for them to do until the project is solidified.

Greiner said 3S Artspace supporters came up with the idea of having supporters marching in a Halloween parade that draws thousands to the downtown each season.

Greiner said the parade seemed like a fun way for supporters to continue to raise awareness for the project while talking part in a Halloween parade that is synonymous with the creativity of the region.

3S Artspace supporters expect to meet at Peirce Island at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday.

To learn more about 3S Artspace go to www.3Sarts.org or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/3sartspace.